This is the sentence I'm writing
The system requires a stiff solver and appropriate ______, such as the Jacobian Matrix Pattern
I've been thinking of workarounds, but the example given is not something that avoids the problem or finds an alternate solution, but it helps in solving the original problem, making it much faster. They are not needed, but they help a great deal. Also Pattern is not the only one of these.
devices does not sound right either, because it evokes a physical object.
Maybe aids, but it is more related to people or humanitarian causes.
Is there a single word to express a group of (non-physical) things that help you reach a solution?